Gilbert Howard Holt, age 99, of Greenwood, Arkansas, passed peacefully to his eternal home on July 11, 2025, after a life rich with love, service, stories, and quiet wisdom. Born on April 18, 1926, in Dyer, Arkansas, to William and Beedie Holt, Gilbert was the youngest of nine children—four brothers and four sisters—who have all gone before him, no doubt welcoming him with open arms.
At just 18 years old, Gilbert answered the call to serve his country, joining the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served with honor as a Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class aboard the LSM 330 in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he returned home and became part of the first four-year graduating class of Arkansas Tech University in 1950, earning a degree in Chemistry.
It was at Arkansas Tech where he met the love of his life, Doretha. They married on June 3, 1951, and built a life together filled with laughter, devotion, and deep partnership that spanned 69 beautiful years, until her passing in 2020.
Gilbert and Doretha raised two children: Becky Yates (Don) of Witcherville, AR, and Jim Holt (Marion) of Millington, TN. He was a proud grandfather to Jeremy Yates (Andrea) and Justin Yates (Tara), and a doting great-grandfather to Addie, Orion, and Maddox Yates—his legacy living on in each of them.
Gilbert worked for 25 years at Kraft (Humko) in Memphis, Tennessee, where he supervised research and development in vegetable oils. After retiring in 1994, he embraced the joys of long, unhurried days—gardening, fishing, lending a hand on his children’s farms, and enjoying the company of friends and neighbors.
A lifelong Freemason, Gilbert served as Past Master of the Raleigh Lodge in Memphis and later remained active in the Greenwood Masonic Lodge. He was also a faithful member of the Greenwood United Methodist Church.
Gilbert had a special love for music—especially the big band sounds of the 1940s—and a knack for storytelling that could brighten any room. His wit was quick, his handshake steady, and his presence both grounding and kind.
His was a life well-lived—one of duty, joy, curiosity, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever cherished by all who knew him.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Monday, July 14 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood. Viewing will begin at 10 a.m. before the service on Monday. Burial will be at Crittenden Memorial Park in Marion, Arkansas on Wednesday, July 16 at 1 p.m.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jeremy Yates, Justin Yates, Addie Yates, Orion Yates and Maddox Yates.
Memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Children's Burn Hospital at www.shrinerschildrens.org
To share a memory of leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com
